27 BFI units unite to challenge President Ajay Singh

Memorandum details allegations of administrative failure

The faction requested the formation of an ad-hoc panel to oversee the federation during their meeting with the Indian Olympic Association chief executive officer, Raghuram Khadse.

The paper claims Ajay Singh has amassed power for himself, marginalising elected officials and weakening democratic procedures. It further accuses him of disregarding the constitution of the federation and adopting what the faction describes as a "Hitler-ish approach".

The memorandum also cites administrative lapses and claims the president revised the federation constitution without adequate scrutiny. The faction reported that state representatives were muted during an online meeting held on 27 August.

High court stalls no-confidence motion

The meeting was originally scheduled as a Special General Meeting to hold a vote of no-confidence against President Ajay Singh. Pramod Kumar convened this gathering, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered it to be kept in abeyance on Tuesday. The court placed the Special General Meeting on hold until the next hearing on 13 November.

Faction cites financial and governance grievances

BFI Senior Vice President Rajesh Bhandari said that any officials challenging President Ajay Singh are either suspended or issued a show‑cause notice. He added that the faction may hold a protest at Jantar Mantar if they do not receive respite from this situation.

Rohit Jain claimed the dispute began in 2024 when the federation constitution was altered twice to concentrate powers at the president’s seat. Jain also alleged that units are suspended without notice or reason, and he was kept away from boxing to prevent him from winning elections.

State representatives noted that grassroots-level development plans are absent and the competition calendar is unclear. Competition dates are announced only about 20 days in advance.

Technical officials have not received their travel and daily allowances for the past five to six years. Winners of the National Championships have yet to obtain the promised cash prizes.

The faction has been waiting two years for court cases regarding the validity of the new constitution and lacks the necessary financial resources.

Executive committee members lead the opposition

Eight of the 13 Boxing Federation of India executive committee members attended the gathering in Delhi.

Treasurer Pon Baskaran together with Joint Secretaries Teli Khai and Swapan Banerjee also aligned with the opposition group. Madhya Pradesh representative Digvijay Singh and Assam representative Hemanta Kalita attended as well.

They served as treasurer and secretary during the previous term of Ajay Singh. State representatives from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa also participated. Officials from Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Jharkhand were present.

Ajay Singh defends federation leadership

BFI chief Ajay Singh said his responsibility lies with the boxers and their future. He stated that the participation of authorized state units demonstrates their commitment to Olympic ambitions. Singh said the federation must build a system that prepares boxers to succeed at the highest level.

He argued that his removal would require support from three-quarters of the General Body members. Singh said a Special General Meeting must be convened according to constitutional norms.

This meeting in Bagdogra, West Bengal, brought a majority of state units together. According to the press release, the meeting centred on Indian boxing’s Olympic goals and an athlete‑first strategy.

Uncertain path forward for federation

He said they will approach the Indian Olympic Association to make them aware of the situation.

Bhandari stated they informed the ministry about issues related to the constitution, coaching, and administration. He said the group has also written to the global body. Bhandari noted that the planned meeting did not take place.

He said the decision now rests with the ministry. For a no-confidence motion against Singh to pass, the faction must secure support from 23 units. This requirement represents two-thirds of the total units. Bhandari said, "let's see what changes from here" regarding the situation.